Anyone converted a tiller to remote controls?

[MokiCruiser]

I am in the process of restoring an older boat I bought (18 ft closed bow ). It came with a 1975 Johnson 70 HP which the person I bought it from said was a good engine when his father owned it, but it hadn't been run in at least three years. I paid a mechanic to go through it and get it all up to snuff (compression is 130 to 140 in all three cylinders and $450 later I have a good running 70 HP Johnson). I now want to add my pull start tiller control 1997 Evinrude 15 HP as a kicker. I intend to mount it on the transom without a separate kicker mount, (which I have but don't want to use, it will put the motor so far back I won't hardly be able to reach it because of the deep splash well), so intend to mount it on the transom and attach it to the main motor with a connector rod that I have, at least I think I can make it work. The main motor has an older Johnson Ship Master dual control for throttle and shift instead of a single shift/throttle, and yesterday I just bought another Identical (except for the name) Evinrude Simplex dual handle control with cables for $30 no less ......... that was a steal! It looks like I can add this control just below, a bit rear and to the left on some sort of mount I'll build from the main engine controls so neither will get in each others way and yet both will be within easy reach from my (captains, ahoy matey) seat, and that motor would be used only for trolling or as an emergency motor in the event my main dies for some reason.

I have been searching on line till my eyes have glazed over for instructions, kits perhaps to make it easy, home made connections would be better since I'm trying to keep my costs down. So after that long build up, has anybody converted a tiller like mine to a remote system like I'm planning, and if yes, anyone have some tips for me? Thanks!

 

[oldboat1]

You will likely need the newer long life or snap in cables for the '97 motor, and a kit for attaching the shift and throttle cables at the motor. Fit at the Simplex box might be a problem with the newer cables, but not sure. (might do a google search for evinrude remote cables or something similar to get a look).

Another option might be an articulated extension to give you throttle control for trolling -- not as elegant, but might do the job for you. Always options.

 

[F_R]

Remote control adapter kit for connecting cables to 1997 15hp two-stroke 15hp motor is part number 175820.

 

[MokiCruiser]

And I do appreciate both of your comments and suggestions .............. Oldboat1 and F_R. The articulated tiller is not what I am interesited in, so thank you but no. As far as the conversion though, I did look at this kit before I asked for input here, but I was not sure if it would work with my controls.......... Because of your "part number" comment, I took another look, actually called a local Evinrude mechanic and he confirmed that my Simplex box and cables would work ....................... so I started searching on line for the best price on this kit and happened to find this part #175820 new not used on Ebay Australia for $41 American and free shipping, which was about $30 to $110 cheaper than anyone else was selling it for ($69.99 to $147.00). So it will arrive within the week .................. thanks guys!

 

[oldboat1]

sounding good, Moki. Good boating to you!